Following rumours - which we ourselves salaciously repeated - that Russel T Davies is keen to cast Hugh Grant as the next Doctor Who, it is now being reported that Hugh has said no.

But has he?

Amid the UK Daily Mirror's claims was this:

Conversations are in progress.

But they didn't say with whom.

In the context of their article it could refer to conversations within the BBC, Bad Wolf and or Sony about offering the role to Hugh.

Via Twitter Hugh has told us:

Nothing against Dr W but I’m not. No idea where the story came from.

Hugh has only denied claims that he has been a party to conversations about being cast as the next Doctor.

Interestingly he was offered and declined role in 2004, and later lamented.

I was offered the role of the Doctor a few years back and was highly flattered. It's only when you see it on screen that you think, 'Damn, that was good, why did I say no?'

As we indicated previously, we're skeptical of rumours on principle but this one hasn't been laid to rest.

Merely danced around.

[ Main Image: Paddington 2 - Hugh Grant. Credit: Studio Canal via IMDb.com. ]

References

Grant, Hugh [@HackedOffHugh] (March 22, 2022). Nothing against Dr W but I’m not. Twitter.

Hibbs, James (March 22, 2022). Hugh Grant addresses Doctor Who rumours. Radio Times.

Pryer, Emma (March 19, 2022). Exclusive: Hugh Grant tipped to be new Doctor Who in 'Marvel-style makeover' for hit show. Daily Mirror.